Author: Liam Palmer

For Michelle Smith, Agri Labour Australia’s Northern States Regional Manager based in Goondiwindi, the global pandemic has seen a significant rise in women working across agriculture roles.

A country girl through and through, Michelle joined the Agri Labour Australia (ALA) team in 2019. Having been in the agriculture recruitment space since 2011 and enjoying a successful career running a mobile pre-school and delivering agriculture employment programs to indigenous young people across rural areas, Michelle was the perfect fit for ALA.

With her extensive knowledge of cotton, grain, livestock and horticulture operations, Michelle has been a constant figure across areas of rural and regional Queensland, delivering support, advice and critical staffing solutions to clients during COVID-19.

Michelle’s personal and professional networks are extensive and have been built on the back of her genuine love of the land, the people in it and a keen determination to see more women working in agriculture and supporting rural communities and businesses to succeed.

Michelle says, ‘Agriculture hasn’t stopped for a moment during COVID-19 and it’s been vital to keep working with my clients and reaching out to those agribusinesses who need assistance in finding the right staff to keep things moving.’

‘While COVID-19 restrictions were in place, I was constantly on the phone – checking in with people to see how they were doing. I was concerned about keeping those connections going but then pleasantly surprised at how willing people were to Zoom into meetings with me. ‘This adaptability is reflective of country people, however what has also been interesting during COVID-19, is the increase in applications and visibility of women in various roles across farms and ag sites.’

Michelle adds, ‘This is a positive step forward towards seeing more women building careers within the sector and subsequently moving into managerial and senior roles in years to come. Many people are more open to hiring women now – there’s so many incredible women in agriculture who are positive role models and great examples of just how beneficial our contribution is to agriculture as a whole.’

Michelle’s industry knowledge, honesty and reliability puts Agri Labour Australia’s clients at ease, as does her genuine love of connecting clients on the land with the right people for their business.

Michelle remains connected to the land outside work and can often be found pursuing her passion for polocrosse. She is Secretary of the Goondiwindi Polocrosse Club and has been awarded the Queensland Polocrosse Management Award for her contribution to the game.

Melissa Britt is a woman who loves challenges. Whether they are professional or personal, Melissa thrives on setting herself goals and doesn’t stop until she achieves them.

Since her appointment as Agri Labour Australia’s Tasmanian Area Manager two years ago, Melissa has been a welcome addition to the agricultural recruitment industry where she has been making inroads to building career pathways for Tasmanians.

At the onset of the global pandemic, Melissa began to focus on building a more structured approach in attracting local residents to the agriculture sector. This has resulted in her achieving real success in transitioning candidates from casual part-time roles, into permanent positions.

‘We have been working closely with Huon Aquaculture since December 2019 and since that time we’ve averaged two candidates per month moving into permanent roles. This is such a great result as it means increased operating continuity for Huon, job security for individuals and an added bonus of boosting our local economies,’ says Melissa.

Melissa adds, ‘With agriculture such a major contributor to Tasmania’s economy, securing a more stable workforce for agribusiness is essential – especially now that COVID-19 has so severely impacted on workforce numbers.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a small family owned farm or large operation, they all play a significant part in keeping our state going and I’m determined to be a key part in helping achieve that.’

A member of Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, an avid cyclist and runner, Melissa won the Shimano Expert Women Enduro World Series for mountain biking in 2019. Having just finished a target of running every day for 365 days, Melissa regularly pushes herself in various triathlons and recently completed a 163km charity ride for children with cancer.

Australian agriculture is an exciting and diverse industry, but like all workplaces it can present some significant dangers. From dangerous machinery and chemicals, to animals and now a global pandemic, hazards can present in any form.

This year’s National Safe Work Month theme, Work Health and Safety through COVID-19, acknowledges and reflects the wide-reaching impacts of COVID-19 on Australian businesses, employers and workers.

Workplaces have had to quickly adapt their practices and procedures to reduce the WHS risks arising from COVID-19 and to manage the psychological effects of the pandemic on workers.

Farm safety is changing

Like many workplaces, farms can be dangerous places and as a result, the Australian agriculture industry has been working hard to improve their safety statistics. Now, with the onset of COVID-19 many agribusinesses have been forced to review their WHS processes which is seeing some significant progress on the agriculture safety front.

Farm owners and managers must make sure that workers and other people on the farm are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. The best ways to protect workers include:

• Making assessments to eliminate hazards and minimise risks
• Specific COVID19 WHS strategies that include social distancing, regular cleaning and the implementation of stringent hygiene measures
• Select and regularly maintain the safest equipment
• Choose the safest chemicals and closely follow the manufacturers’ instructions
• Ensure all workers and visitors know about the risks on the farm and how to manage these
• Ensure workers have the skills to work safely in all their allocated tasks
• Closely supervise new and inexperienced workers
• Provide support to those who are required to quarantine or are feeling unwell
• Clear and transparent processes for documenting accidents
• A sound understanding of the Australian WHS standards

We are all responsible for safety

While farmers and business operators must take strict measures to protect their workers from COVID-19 and all other hazards, it’s also up to individuals to keep themselves and their co-workers safe at all times.

It’s imperative that staff follow company WHS procedures and apply common sense to situations when they arise. Managing COVID-19 is a serious practice and one that we all must maintain.

Agri Labour Australia has stringent COVID-19 safety processes and an excellent WHS page with a range of resources relating to risk assessments, work instructions and site safety inductions.

In addition to these downloads (available to both clients and candidates), here’s a few extra safety tips:

• Social distance, practice good hygiene and ensure you self-isolate if feeling unwell
• Always wear the correct PPE
• Know your worksite WHS requirements
• Check your workplace for any potential hazards
• Make sure the machinery you’re operating is in good working order
• Be aware of where your co-workers are
• Do not overload vehicles
• When working with animals keep a clear escape route
• Know where the first aid kit is located
• Know who your nominated safety officer is

Let’s work together to navigate WHS and COVID-19 and keep one another safe at all times.

For more information on WHS Through COVID-19 click here

The Grain Harvest is arguably Australia’s biggest annual agricultural event. From Central Queensland and NSW, down to Victoria, South Australia and across to WA – thousands of people all over the country take part in harvesting the labours of our hard working farmers.

Grain Harvest work is always extremely popular with backpackers, Working Visa Holders, Grey Nomads, residents, uni students and anyone else looking to make some great money. This year, we thought it would be interesting to get the real picture of what it’s like working in this exciting field.

Raido Kuiv and Veronica Trisberg have been part of the Agri Labour Australia (ALA) team since 2019, working on Grain Harvest in Victoria and in Queensland. Today, they share their grain story…

Time to Start

It’s 2:00pm and we are in our car heading to the grain site which is just five minutes away from our accommodation. It’s a pretty drive, with golden grainfields surrounding the roads on the way to work – our Port of Brisbane work site was also beautiful, with views out across Moreton Bay where you could see always ships coming and going.

On the Job

Dressed in shirts, shorts and steel cap boots, upon arrival, we clock in with our ID cards and put on our essential PPE of high vis vest, wide brim hat, gloves and sunglasses. It’s always busy and we hop straight in to the daily information talks that cover off what went well the day before, improvements that need to be made and what is happening on the site that day. Weather is always a big factor with how the site runs, especially if there are high winds and rain.

When we first started, we were in the sample stand using a vacuum probe to collect a sample from the incoming trucks which was then tested it for protein, moisture, weeds etc. After entering the data, the program advised which bunkers drivers needed to be directed to.

Hygiene is an important factor in this role and it was vital to keep the surfaces and floor clean so samples wouldn’t get contaminated. Our commitment was rewarded, and we progressed over to working in the bunkers. Greeting the trucks, you check the paperwork to make sure drivers are at the right place and then direct the truck onto the hopper to tip the grain.

Time for a Break

Having been at work for three hours, it’s time for ‘smoko’! It’s great to have a break and a catch up with other staff. Our co-workers on both sites were friendly and really nice to work with. We often socialise outside of work too – sometimes at the pub, chatting with the locals, farmers and some of the truck drivers we’d been taking grain from earlier on. It was always interesting learning about the ups and downs of the grain harvests and they also gave us plenty of tips on places to visit in the area. We enjoyed exploring and hiking in the national parks and having fun with friends, but after long shifts it was also pretty good to relax and prepare for another big day.

What’s to Love About the Grain Harvest?

When we initially started, everything was a unique and different experience, so getting to learn new skills was exciting. But, as time went on, it was the country grain sites, meeting the local farmers and seeing small towns together to make the harvest work that we really connected with.

The enormous amount of work that goes into Grain Harvest is something that everyone should experience. Things can change quickly and it can certainly be challenging at times in the heat and dust but if you’re adaptable it will be one of the best experiences in your life!

You meet interesting people from all over the world and form friendships that will be long lasting. Working alongside ‘salt of the earth’ people who make you appreciate the work they do every time you buy a loaf of bread is something that will stay with us forever.

Our advice to anyone considering the Grain Harvest? Don’t just think about joining ALA for the 2020 Grain Harvest – GO FOR IT!

R U OK? Thursday 10 September is our national day of action when we remind our mates, neighbours, colleagues and other fellow Australians that it can be any day to ask the question, ‘Are you OK?’

This year’s theme is ‘There’s More to Say After R U OK?’

2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years of many people’s lives. From drought and fire, to floods, COVID-19 and the major impact of these events on individuals, families, businesses and communities, there’s plenty more to say after R U OK?

You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. The R U OK team have a great kit that helps us know what to say to make someone feel supported and navigate the steps to access help before they’re in further crisis.

If you feel like something’s not quite the same with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re saying or doing – trust your instinct and take the time to ask them ‘Are you OK?’ If someone says they’re not OK, make time to listen, encourage action and check in. That conversation could change, or even save, their life.

Learn more about how to ask if someone is OK here

For more information, visit R U OK?

Spring has arrived in Australia and for those in the agriculture industry, this means there are harvesting jobs and plenty of work available across the country.

This is an incredibly busy time in agriculture and at Agri Labour Australia, where we are working hard to make sure our candidates are being connected to great jobs for upcoming harvest and farm projects. Spring in Australia varies in every state – the vastness of our country means that a season in one part of the country can be very different climate in another.

Tasmania remains cold until almost the end of the year, with North Queensland and the Northern Territory staying hot all year round. These significant differences mean crops and harvest times vary enormously and provide lots of job opportunities for seasonal workers, grey nomads and backpackers all over the country!  Gaining experience in one area, can often lead to you following the season for that crop from state to state.

Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place at present, there are many fantastic roles in whichever state of Australia you may be in. Our regional and rural towns are always welcoming and offer a great lifestyle experience while you earn dollars to keep on travelling. Many of our workers love the places they visit so much, they end up staying permanently!

To see what’s happening, here’s a snapshot of just some of the crop harvest and activities happening around Australia during Spring:

Spring Harvests

• Queensland – grain, vegetables, melons, tomatoes, strawberries and bananas
• NSW/ACT – grain, berries, vegetables, avocados and citrus
• Victoria – grain, vegetables, asparagus, tomatoes and stonefruit
• South Australia – grapes, citrus and stonefruit
• Northern Territory – mangoes and melons
• Western Australia – avocados, vegetables, grapes, mangoes, citrus and stonefruit
• Tasmania – vegetables, hops and planting

Our website has all our latest job opportunities where you can also register your interest for upcoming projects like the 2020 Grain Harvest. This is super exciting work and offers some of the very best seasonal jobs the Australian agriculture industry has to offer. It’s always high on the list of options for many backpackers and international travellers.

Agri Labour Australia work with the best people in the industry and are known for looking after our candidates, great working conditions, industry leading pay rates and so much more. Check out our Spring jobs here!

Dene Nichols has been a long serving member of the Tasmanian Agri Labour Australia (ALA) Team. A tremendously reliable and dependable worker, Dene is known for his great attitude and exceptional work ethic.

It didn’t take long for our client Huon Aquaculture to also recognise what an asset Dene is – so much that they have given him a full time job at their facilities based in Paramatta Creek, Tasmania.

While we are sad to see Dene go, we are thrilled that his excellent work and professional values have delivered this great result. Before he left, we asked Dene a few questions about his time with ALA.

How long have you worked with Agri Labour Australia?

Going on nearly 4 years now. I worked for over two years at the Spretyon mushroom farm and when it shut down, the team from ALA found me work with Huon Aquaculture.

How did you start with us?

My son-in-law knew someone who worked at the mushroom farm and they connected me with Agri Labour Australia.

What is your role at Huon Aquaculture?

I am a Process Worker. I’ve worked in a few different production areas but currently I am working in the cold smoke area.

What are the main tasks you perform?

In the cold smoke room I clean the floor, grade fish, trim up smoked portions and assist with the packaging of some products.

What’s the best part about your job?

For sure, it’s the fun we have! I get on well with everyone and the team all have a good laugh, which is great for morale and makes the days enjoyable.

What skills have you learned since joining the Agri Labour Australia team?

Absolutely heaps – working on two different job sites really taught me lots of different things. Mushrooms and salmon are very different but both jobs require a good work ethic.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Getting up early! I usually get to work at about 3-4am.

What are your career goals?

I have always wanted to move into a full time or permanent role. Now my job at Huon has allowed me to achieve this goal and I will work directly for Huon Aquaculture on a full time basis.

How has ALA helped you?

Without ALA I wouldn’t have got the job at Huon so I am very grateful for the assistance that ALA has provided me in getting work and now, this full time role.

What would you tell other people who are considering working for Agri Labour Australia?

To join up! Its that simple. I would definately recommend Agri Labour Australia to my mates and family.

Spring and Summer are by far the busiest times in Australian agriculture. Big harvests, like grain, mango and other major crops, mean big hours and the opportunity to earn some big dollars. However, fatigue can bring these work plans to an abrupt end if not managed properly.

While emergency services and medical workers are extremely high risk, seasonal and shift workers in the agriculture space are also some of those at highest risk of fatigue. Working at heights, in confined spaces, operating machinery and driving are jobs heavily affected by fatigue and very common roles in agriculture.

Fatigue presents itself in many ways, with the most common signs being:

• Tiredness – even after sleep
• Reduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexes
• Poor concentration
• Not able to follow instructions
• Blurred vision or impaired visual perception
• A need for extended sleep during days off work

Keeping our workers safe is the number one priority at Agri Labour Australia, with fatigue being one of our key areas of focus. We provide specific training and instruction about fatigue when you start with us and have strict policies to ensure our candidates have the opportunity to rest and overcome the effects of tiredness after work.

The consequences of fatigue can be fatal, therefore it is critical for everyone to take a responsible approach to managing their fatigue and keeping a close eye on team mates who may be showing signs.

Here are some important ways you can help everyone stay safe at work:

• Understand your sleep, rest and recovery needs and get adequate rest and sleep away from work
• Seek medical advice and help if you have or are concerned about a health condition that affects your sleep and/or causes fatigue
• Assess your own fitness for work before starting
• Monitor your level of alertness and concentration while you’re at work
• Look out for signs of fatigue in the people you work with
• Make sure you to take your scheduled breaks or shift naps (night shift), drink water, do some stretching or physical exercise, adjust your work environment (for example lighting and/or temperature)
• Talk to your supervisor if you think you’re at risk of fatigue
• Assess your fatigue levels after work and make sensible commuting and accommodation decisions

The ALA team is always here to help, so make sure you speak with your supervisor if you have any concerns.

The 2020 Australian Grain Harvest is one of the biggest events on the country’s agriculture calendar with this year predicted to be a bumper crop!

Grain Harvest is exciting work – set against spectacular Australian outback scenery, where you can enjoy being part of a hard working team and earning a great wage, all while making lifelong memories.

Each year, Grain Harvest jobs are sought after by backpackers, international travellers, grey nomads, students and local residents who are all looking to be a part of this great seasonal work. We advertise a range of Grain Harvest roles that offer fantastic short term job opportunities for any skill set, age group or gender across various locations in Australia.

At Agri Labour Australia, we are extremely proud of the great people and teams we have employed to work in the annual Grain Harvest – many of whom return each year and follow the harvest from start to finish.

When and where is the Australian Grain Harvest?

Weather dependent, Grain Harvest usually begins in September and runs through to January. Grain season starts in Queensland before heading south to New South Wales and Victoria.

Some grain sites will have extended harvests, while others may only go for a few weeks.

2020 Grain Harvest jobs

From grain sampling to driving a front loader and general site duties, Grain Harvest roles are diverse and interesting. You will experience working with a variety of crops including wheat, sorghum, canola, barley and chickpeas. Your role may include the following tasks:

• Grain testing – application of a special vacuum to grade the grain and check for moisture, protein, pollutants
• Weighbridge grain receivals and data entry
• Operating front end loaders, grain hoppers, tractors and augers
• Monitoring grain flow
• Storage and protection of grain including tarp folding, welding and bunker covering
• Sweeping, shovelling, dust blowing and other site cleaning
• Working in confined spaces

What skills do I need to work in the 2020 Grain Harvest?

Grain Harvest workers need to be committed to the season and have a flexible attitude due to weather often impacting on the ability to process grain. Grain Harvest is intensive and hard work so we need people who have energy and can sustain the pace!

Grain sites are dusty, therefore it’s important that grain workers are free from allergies to dust or asthma.

We want to hear from you if you can address the following criteria:

• Able to pass drug and alcohol tests
• Physically fit and able to work long hours with flexible shifts
• Must have your own transport
• High level of English communication skills
• Thrive under pressure
• Strong work ethic
• A great team player
• Previous experience in wheat and grain harvests is highly regarded (not essential)
• Heavy Rigid Truck or higher, and Front-End Loader licences are highly favourable
• Confined Spaces Certificate is a huge plus!

Choose Agri Labour Australia!

At Agri Labour Australia, we aim to make the Grain Harvest employment process easy for both job seeker and employer. We genuinely care about our candidates, their safety and making sure you get the right pay rates and penalties.

We will train you to ensure that you arrive onsite prepared, confident and ready to start your job as a grain harvester! If you have a question or concern, our consultants are always on hand to deliver advice and support when you need it.

Here’s what you can expect when you join Agri Labour Australia for the 2020 Grain Harvest:

• A generous salary starting at $26 per hour, with applicable overtime and penalty rates. Higher hourly rates are offered to returning and highly skilled workers.
• Work with your friends! If you are travelling together and each pass our interview and drug and alcohol tests, we will do our best to ensure you can work and travel together on the Grain Harvest.
• We’ll connect you with more Grain Harvest work – providing you with opportunities to travel with the harvest, moving from central Queensland to Southern Victoria.
• We employ local, travelling and international applicants.
• Watch videos of your work environment, so you can get an insight into your day-to-day tasks.
• We support you. You can talk to your recruiter regarding any issues or questions you may have throughout your placement.

Safety

Agri Labour Australia is committed to ensuring the safety of all our staff. COVID-19 is now also included in our training, induction and pre-employment processes.

Drug and alcohol testing will also be carried out prior to you being contracted by Agri Labour Australia and randomly throughout the Grain Harvest season.

Interested? Head over to our Grain Harvest Registration Page. We look forward to your application!