Category: Agri Labour

As Agri Labour Australia celebrates ten years of providing reliable workforces exclusively to the agriculture industry, co-founders and brothers Casey and Luke Brown are looking back over a hugely successful decade of mud, sweat and cheers.

In the early days of Agri Labour Australia, the challenges of establishing the business weren’t just operational and financial – they were sometimes physical, too. We still vividly remember Luke driving between remote business meetings in a battered old Hilux with no air con. Having to take back-to-back phone meetings in the car in order to grow the business, he couldn’t roll down the windows for the entire journey – resulting in him arriving at his destination drenched in sweat and decidedly less than fresh on more than one occasion.

We were born and raised in rural Goondiwindi, and a respect for the agriculture industry was instilled in us from a very young age. As country boys, we saw how extreme the agriculture industry can be – the recent drought, bushfires and floods are examples of how devastating an impact the weather can have on our farmers. Determined to support such a crucial industry, we created a company that’s grown and evolved to now be the leading labour hire agency for Australian agriculture – to date we’ve provided over 33,200 staff to 302 agricultural operations across 288 different locations.

At Agri Labour Australia, we’ve intentionally built an internal culture where every team-member appreciates how important the agriculture industry is, as well as the unique challenges it faces. With thin margins, tough conditions and many moving parts, the sector isn’t for the fainthearted, and everyone in the company understands the associated pressures. This is a stressful industry – we’re dealing with people’s livelihoods and we never forget that. It’s a hugely varied sector, and the highlights of the last decade encompass the scope of Agri Labour Australia’s reach.

In the last ten years, we’re proud to have founded Agri Veterans – a program that aims to bridge the gap between deployment and employment for Australia’s ex-servicemen and women, and lets us harness our knowledge of Australia’s agriculture industry in order to give back. We’ve also provided work opportunities for hundreds of grey nomads as they traverse the country.

Currently the agriculture sector has more jobs than Australians to fill them, and our foreign worker initiatives have been so successful that farmers are now able to go straight to foreign streams for project labour. We’ve helped refugees find employment, sanctuary and community – witnessing trauma-survivors begin to thrive as they learn new skills and integrate with local communities. We’re proud to have helped people find work who are ultimately sponsored and have the opportunity to live in our great country – settling into (and supporting the economy of) regional towns and communities throughout Australia.

Agri Labour Australia’s first mango project was a notable milestone – an undertaking that resulted in a team successfully picking 2 million mangoes by hand under extreme conditions, and saw Luke going back and forth to fetch ice for the workers. This personal, human-centred approach is an integral part of the Agri Labour Australia DNA – for us, our role has never been about simply posting a vacancy on a job-board and simply sitting back.

A less happy milestone was the recent and highly publicised issues we experienced with piece-rate payment – one of the most challenging things we’ve faced, not only as a company, but ourselves personally. The silver lining to the situation was resolving to put compliance and safety even more firmly at the centre of everything we do, and we’re now leading the industry in this respect. We’ve implemented rigorous due diligence – if clients aren’t up-to-scratch from a compliance and safety perspective, or if they don’t have the willingness to become so, we simply won’t partner with them. We’ve developed sophisticated systems to ensure every worker and client we’re involved with is compliant, and it’s become a key part of our service-offering to clients – we educate them on what they need to do and tell them how risk can be mitigated. We have aspirations to drive the most compliant, safety-focused and productive workforce in Australia, and our learnings from this turbulent period have only strengthened that resolve.

In an industry in which a handshake still holds huge weight, the future of Agri Labour Australia will see us combine new innovation, technology and processes with the old-fashioned values that underpin everything we do. Embracing data and technology will enable us to become even more efficient, with deeper client engagement that aligns with our values, and the systems and processes we’re continually fine-tuning will help us manage the quality we’re known for as we continue to grow.  On top of our mission to educate the industry around compliance and safety, we’re committed to improving the sector as a whole, as well as showcasing the clients we work with.

A decade down the road, Agri Labour Australia is so much more than labour hire – we partner with our clients to get their job done. Our reputation for excellence is such that clients now engage us to manage more than just people – our team provides training and onboarding, and helps ensure companies meet standards and compliance. Agriculture as an industry is one of huge extremes – of weather, of trade and of swiftly-changing political landscapes. At Agri Labour Australia we firmly believe that the more the industry can unite and collaborate, the stronger it is when those inevitable situations arise – and subsequently, the more prosperous it can become.

Our most southern state might be small in size but when it comes to its impact on the Australian agriculture industry, Tasmania is mighty impressive.

Recognised across the globe for its world class produce and some of the cleanest air on the planet, Tasmania plays a pivotal role in supplying the Australian domestic and overseas markets with a variety of produce including dairy, lamb, beef, poultry, salmon and seafood, along with fruit and vegetables and other crops.

With over 40% of the island protected National Park and 28% dedicated to agriculture, Tassie is a produce powerhouse providing endless career opportunities for those that wish to enter the exciting agriculture industry.

Having first established a Tasmanian presence in 2013 with a leading potato operation, Agri Labour Australia has since opened two offices in the ‘Island State’ in Devonport and Hobart, to better connect with our clients and candidates.

Luke Brown, Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Agri Labour Australia was the first representative of the team in Tasmania and believes the agriculture industry operates in a significantly different way to the rest of Australia.

‘Tasmania has a rich, long and very successful history of agriculture and it shows in their communities, values and approach to various challenges. The TAPG (Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group) is also unique in that it represents the primary, secondary and service levels of Tasmanian agriculture – giving voice to all sectors within the Tasmanian ag space through a cohesive and focused state based body that’s dedicated to the success of the industry.’

Luke believes another big plus in Tasmanian agriculture is the commitment to compliance and safety. ‘Our business is extremely focused on only working with clients who are industry compliant to ensure workers are trained, safe, productive and being paid what they should be. We have an extensive national footprint with clients and workers all over Australia – and it’s our Tasmanian operators definitely leading the way in meeting all those industry standards.’

From apples and aquaculture, to medicinal industries, vegetables, FMCG and trades – Agri Labour Australia continues to support primary producers and connect candidates across all corners of the exciting Tasmanian agriculture industry.

The New Year has arrived and for many parts of Australia, it has been a catastrophic beginning across our drought affected country.

Thankfully, we are seeing some promising rain which has been exciting for the farmers and residents in rural NSW and Queensland. While the falls haven’t been enough to fully impact those areas that haven’t seen rain for many years, it’s a positive and welcome start.

While the drought and fires continue to affect the Australian agriculture industry, our team is still very busy recruiting and placing candidates all over the country for the summer harvest and other seasonal primary production activities.

Over a four week time period leading up to 17 January, our recruitment consultants placed 823 candidates in roles all over Australia! From Far North Queensland all the way down to Tasmania, we have been connecting clients with skilled workers in a diverse variety of jobs including; tractor operators, fruit pickers, vegetable packers, electricians, mechanics and other trades, poultry workers, truck drivers, irrigation managers and more.

Our growing numbers of candidate placements during these times of challenge is a strong indication of just how large and resilient the Australian agriculture industry is. It’s also a reflection of the efforts of the Agri Labour Australia Team and our dedication and capability in operationalising skilled workforces across all sectors.

With exciting new initiatives being launched from our business later this year, we are primed and ready for a busy and productive journey in 2020.

 

 

 

 

For many across the agriculture industry and those residing in rural and regional areas of Qld and NSW, 2019 has been a year of great challenge.

Living through the most severe drought on record and battling the subsequent fires, only touches on what people, families and businesses are enduring in these tough times – many are our clients, some are family and others, our friends.

At Agri Labour Australia, we have seen firsthand what’s been taking place across the industry and while it has and continues to be difficult, there has been a great deal of positivity that should also be acknowledged as we reflect on 2019.

We attended the National Farmer’s Federation Conference in October, where it was great to see so many key representatives showing their support for the agriculture industry. It was also exciting to be there for the launch of the Australian federal government’s vision of $100billion in farm output by 2030, as announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Department of Agriculture also announced this year that it will fund $100million each year in projects and activities to enhance the drought resilience of Australian farms and communities. This critical initiative will commence in July 2020.

One key learning the team at Agri Labour Australia have taken away this year, is the importance of working together – not just as a business, but also as a community.  This cohesion and determination is something we have been seeing all over rural areas, where, in many cases, business owners are sharing staff and thinking of smarter ways to keep their operations going.

The resilience and spirit of these communities is impressive and we urge everyone to continue to show support by buying Australian produce and visiting rural and regional towns when you can.

This year saw us open new offices in Tasmania and our hometown of Goondiwindi. Our presence on the ground in these places has already proven positive with new partnerships and we look forward to continuing to build on this exciting part of the business in 2020.

Next year marks the ten year anniversary of Agri Labour Australia. We are proud of how far we’ve come and are looking forward to sharing and celebrating this milestone with our team.

At this end of year juncture, Agri Labour Australia wishes everyone a safe and happy festive season with the highest of hopes for rain and abundance across the entire Australian agriculture industry in 2020.

When done right, the recruitment process should be a seamless one. It should be a collaborative engagement that sees your recruitment consultant working with you to source the best candidate solution for your business.

We see and hear firsthand, the frustrations of clients and candidates who have been through a recruitment process and left dissatisfied with the outcome – falling foul to a recruiter whose mindset is about the ‘deal’ and not the people.

Being pushed in a direction that you’re not comfortable with or given the ‘hard sell’ approach on a candidate are strong indicators the recruiter working on your behalf is not genuinely focused on your business.

Tim Chapman General Manager, Permanent Recruitment, says, ‘Personally, I think it’s really important to be transparent throughout the whole process. If a candidate references poorly then it’s vital to let your client know this. Being honest and working with clients to identify their business needs and challenges develops long term, trusting relationships that lead to more work. Focusing on a quick deal does just the opposite.’

The Agri Labour Australia Consultative Approach

We do things differently at Agri Labour Australia. Like our clients, we are selective about who we bring into the team, their skill set and experience – how they fit with our company culture and their ability to work collaboratively with clients.

We have an extensive talent database and our team are constantly building relationships with potential candidates and expanding our networks to capture the very best applicants in the field.

Equipped with in-depth market knowledge, our capability within the agriculture sector is unrivalled. Our business founders and many of our consultants are from agriculture backgrounds giving us both a grass roots and professional perspective of Australian agribusinesses. It’s this authenticity that sets us apart from the rest.

Our aim is to work with you, delivering tailored solutions that see us applying all our resources to ensure clients get the best candidate available.

Here’s what you can expect from your recruitment consultant at Agri Labour Australia:

• In-depth market knowledge
• Market mapping and competitor analysis
• Tailored approach to your needs
• Collaborative approach to the job brief
• Transparency
• Access to a wider network for placements
• Advanced interview techniques
• Emotional intelligence
• Authentic and genuine in their approach
• Committed to your relationship
• Works quickly and is solutions focused

Engaging a professional who you feel comfortable with and who genuinely understands your business will deliver you greater longer term outcomes – saving you time and money and finding you skilled staff who add value to your business.

Goondiwindi Regional Manager, Michelle Smith joined the Agri Labour Australia team in September. Michelle’s country roots,  extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry and genuine love of the land have proven to be a perfect fit for our clients and the business.

The following article was published in the 15 November Edition of the Goondiwindi Argus and provides some great insight into Mchelle and the exceptional skills she brings to the Australian agriculture industry.

You can read the full article on Michelle here.

October is National Work Safe Month – a great initiative from Safe Work Australia delivering this year’s message of ‘Be A Safety Champion’.

Agriculture is an exciting industry that offers a wide range of opportunities all over the country. Like many others, agriculture jobs can pose a wide range of risks and hazards that see workers exposed to heavy machinery, chemicals, animals, noise, dust, sun exposure and other extreme elements along with accidents involving power tools, falls and factory equipment.

There’s no doubt work risks can be high but with tighter laws now in place, real improvements to workplace safety statistics are being evidenced across Australian agriculture. The ‘Be A Safety Champion’ campaign raises awareness and further supports those all-important government regulations that see employers being accountable and legally obligated to uphold safety compliance standards for their workers.

However, it’s not just employers who hold the responsibility of safety – it’s workers, managers and those visiting the business who also have a requirement to take reasonable care at all times. As the campaign states, ‘Anyone can be a safety champion and promote best practice work health and safety initiatives at work. We all have a duty and responsibility to build a safe and healthy workplace.’

Dedicated to Safety

Safety is our number 1 priority at Agri Labour Australia and something we continuously work at improving. As at December 2019, our Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIFR) has reduced by 68% since 2015/16 and our Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIFR) has reduced by 48% in the same time.

Agri Labour Australia, Managing Director, Casey Brown says, ‘While it is positive that our statistics are improving, they still need to be better. We are continuously refining and reviewing our safety processes which sees us now ensuring our candidates only go into workplaces that are compliant and meeting all the necessary safety regulations. Our stringent induction processes make sure our workers are fully trained in their safety responsibilities and skilled in identifying and mitigating those potential risks.’

For more information on how you can ‘Be A Safety Champion’ visit WorkSafe Australia

Merryn Gilham has been a valued member of the Agri Labour Australia candidate team for almost one year. Initially registered with an external job service provider, Merryn applied for a role through ALA and has been doing a fantastic job since ever since.

Working at the Costa Group Mushroom Exchange in Spreyton Tasmania, Merryn has been selected to be our Candidate Conversation by Tasmania Area Manager, Melissa Britt because of an outstanding work ethic and exceptional attitude to her job – proving that age is no barrier to being a great employee.

What are the main tasks you perform?

Harvesting mushrooms to the required size and grade according to specifications and packing to a good quality and presentation into boxes.

What’s the best part about your job?

The challenge of doing something, which I have not done previously and continually endeavouring to do the work quickly, efficiently and to the company’s standards.

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

Time-management, organisation, thinking ahead and working in a team environment where the work each person does impacts on others.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Not to be complacent, to continually aim to do better than the day before.

What are your career goals?

As an older employee approaching retirement, my message is to assure an employer that if a potential employee shows interest, demonstrates a willingness to work outside their skillset, there is good reason to employ mature age employees and those from diverse work backgrounds.

How have you grown as a person since working with us?

I am not sure how I have grown or changed as a person, but the experience has given me the ability to be flexible in a work routine, which then relates to life in general.  Similarly, anticipating and taking the least number of steps to perform a task efficiently, but more quickly.

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

ALA is a very good intermediary between workers and the host company.  Their Account Manager is able to relate equally to employees and the employer and resolve any concerns, misunderstandings or problems.  Plus, correspondence and payroll information received from administration is responsive and clear, which is great, especially for new employees.

Where to from here?

Whilst there is a place for me in my current employment, I would hope to remain with ALA and with the host company to see what level of competency I am able to achieve.

Favourite place in Australia and why?

Without hesitation, Tasmania! Our little island at the bottom of the world still has large areas of unspoiled wilderness, accessible and beautiful coastline, beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains and a ‘clean, green environment.  I’ve noticed more in recent times that there are more people from other backgrounds coming here, creating a diverse multi-cultural communities which reflects so positively in many aspects of life.

Tasmania’s primary industry is now diversifying in to grapes, berries, poppies, pyrethrum, dairy products, seafood and all the commercial and artisan food and beverage products that so many people love. I’m a very proud Tasmanian and am excited by the continuing and very positive economic, employment and tourism future for this wonderful state!