Category: Agri Labour

A big thanks to everyone who entered our first #myagrifamily Instagram photo competition in June. 

We received so many entries, and it was a fantastic reminder of the unforgettable memories, scenery and friendships that our candidates experience each year. 

While it was challenging to select a winner, one submission stood out from the rest…  

Congratulations to our photo comp winner, Cherry Navira! 

Taken during the rice harvest on a stunning day in rural NSW, Cherry captured this picture with her agri family. 

A huge thanks to all of the candidates who entered the competition and shared your memories. We’ve combined some of the entries in the video below for you, and you’ll find the rest on our Instagram page @agrilabourau. 

If you want to join us on a harvest and make memories like these, head over to our job board.

If you’re at the stage of life where you’re ready to travel and save money for your future, farm work in Australia allows you to do both. Agri Labour Australia’s working holiday makers get to travel the country exploring some of the world’s most fascinating natural attractions while earning a good wage doing farm work. Our farm work roles offer the opportunity to see places that many people – including Australians – have never seen, and maybe even kickstart a career in agriculture. 

With the Aussie ag industry accounting for about 55% of the nation’s land use, farm work can be found across the country all year ‘round. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy life on the land and the new experiences that come with it, but if you’ve never done agricultural work before, you may have a few questions. Candidates often want to know:

What is farm work in Australia?

Are farm workers essential in Australia?

How do I get a farm job in Australia?

How much does farm work pay in Australia?

What season is best for finding farm work in Australia?

Where is best for farm work in Australia?

How do I become a fruit picker in Australia?

How long can you stay in Australia without doing farm work?

How do I get a job as a backpacker in Australia?

Is agriculture a good career in Australia?

Ready for a working holiday in Australia?

What is farm work in Australia?

Farm work in Australia refers to any work opportunity on a farm. These opportunities include jobs in horticulture, aquaculture, livestock, poultry, meat processing and more – and depending on the season, there are often plenty available. Australian farms employ a large number of overseas visitors each year. In 2021, data from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment showed that the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries employed an average of 325,000 people over the course of a year. 

Are farm workers essential in Australia?

YES! Farm workers are essential not only to Australia’s economy, but also to national food supply. Farmers across the country produce more than 90% of food consumed in Australia, and that’s not all they do. According to the National Farmers’ Federation, agricultural businesses also make a significant contribution to improved environmental outcomes, particularly as they occupy and maintain as much as 51% of the country’s land. 

What type of work is done on a farm?

The term “farm work” covers a wide range of agricultural sectors and roles, with opportunities varying by season and location. Key industries include horticulture, cropping, livestock, meat processing, poultry, aquaculture, cotton, FMCG labour hire, and storage and handling, and many of these industries require skilled and unskilled seasonal workers each year. Depending on the season and your skill set, you could even find work in a fishery or a horse breeding operation. 

Can I work on a farm in Australia?

People of many nationalities, ages and stages of life can find work on Australian farms, provided that they have the appropriate visa for the work they intend to do. As international candidates are required to complete an often-involved application process, it’s also important to consider whether a farm job is right for you. Those well-suited to farm work in Australia generally meet the following criteria: 

• Right to work in Australia. International visitors will need to submit a few essential documents and pay an application fee in order to obtain the appropriate visa for the work they intend to do. While the visa application process is not the only stage in the search for work, it is one of the most important as it determines eligibility to work.  
• Physical fitness. Work in the agricultural industry can be physically demanding, often involving long days and repetitive physical movements, and certain roles require a degree of physical fitness. 
• Attitude. A can-do attitude goes a long way in the agriculture industry, particularly during busy seasons when the workload is more intense. The ability to take challenges in stride and carry on can make a candidate a major asset to any farming operation.
• Experience. With many positions available and suitable for unskilled workers, experience is not essential in the agriculture industry; however, experienced candidates may be more attractive prospects for employers or be able to secure higher paying positions.

How do I get a farm job in Australia?

Finding farm work in Australia often means going through a recruitment specialist – and for good reason. Working with an agriculture recruitment company that prioritises compliance and workers’ health and safety is the best way to ensure that all arrangements are above-board and in your best interests.  

For candidates with little-to-no agriculture experience, entry-level farm jobs are great opportunities to make a start in the field – you just have to know where to look. Here are a few reliable starting points: 

• Go through a specialist recruitment agency. Again, this is a great option if you’re new to the agriculture industry and want access to a wide variety of roles that align with the type of work you want to do. Agriculture recruitment specialists – like the team at Agri Labour Australia – know what employers are looking for in potential new hires and can help you present yourself as an attractive candidate for employers. 
• Search online job boards. Online search is a quick and easy way to find jobs across many industries, and agriculture is no exception. Rather than searching the vast collection of internet search results, candidates can find industry-specific, compliant job opportunities via the Agri Labour Australia job board. 
• Join a harvest. These major seasonal events run year-round across Australia, and thousands of workers are needed to ensure their success. This makes harvests an ideal opportunity to connect with employers or recruiters and demonstrate your skills and work ethic in an agricultural role. With any luck, strong performance will lead to further work opportunities – whether you want to stay for a month or two, or secure recurring work that takes you all the way from January to December. To find out more about upcoming harvest opportunities with Agri Labour Australia, click here. 

How much does farm work pay in Australia?

While there are some very well-paid job opportunities to be found on Australian farms, the pay rate you can expect to receive depends on the job, the location and the season. In any case, minimum rates are in line with legislation – and with extra hours on offer during seasonal peaks, committed workers have the opportunity to boost their earnings. 

What season is best for finding farm work in Australia? 

Australia’s agriculture industry has job opportunities all year ‘round, but roles can vary widely depending on the season. During the first half of the year, opportunities are plentiful along the East coast and in the south, with the rice, hops, vegetable and almond harvests in full swing and the cotton and citrus harvests running from April to October. Then during the summer months, Queensland has the pick of the harvest roles, with mangoes and grain in season. 

Not sure what time of year will be best for you? Farmers across the country are always looking for workers. Whether you plan your farm work experience around a particular role or location or extend it with a variety of seasonal positions, work opportunities are plentiful around Australia! 

Where is best for farm work in Australia?

While farm workers are needed in every part of Australia, the best opportunities are often dictated by the seasonal produce. Queensland is rich in farm work opportunities, being home to produce-rich locations like the Atherton Tablelands, Bowen, Ayr and Stanthorpe, where avocados, mangos, vegetables and citrus are in strong supply. Alternatively, if a trip to New South Wales or Victoria is on your mind, for example, you may find work picking grapes, citrus fruits or stone fruits. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian aquaculture industry is swimming with opportunity, and the cherries and berries are ripe for the picking. Wherever you go, there’s plenty of adventure to be had! 

How do I become a fruit picker in Australia?

Fruit picking jobs are suitable for unskilled, inexperienced workers and available year-round on seasonal harvests, making them ideal entry points to the Aussie ag industry. However, as these jobs typically involve long days and hard physical work, they may be unsuitable for some applicants. In any case, it’s important to read up on each role before applying so that you can make an informed decision. 

How long can you stay in Australia without doing farm work?

If you or someone you know has come to Australia on a temporary visa, student visa or working holiday visa, you may have heard that farm work can be a great opportunity to make the most of your travels. Visitors who want to secure, extend or renew one of these visas may be required to fulfil a set work quota – generally 88 days – on a farm. Visitors to Australia who choose not to do so can stay in the country for a maximum of three consecutive years. 

How do I get a job as a backpacker in Australia?

If you’re looking for temporary work that gives you the opportunity to travel and experience backpacker life, there are several options available to you. 

• Apply through a recruitment agency. If you have never worked in the Australian agriculture industry, going through a recruitment agency may be the best option for you. Specialist recruitment professionals know the industry and what employers are looking for. They can help you find and secure a position that works for you while making sure that everything is above board and compliant so you can focus on working and earning. 
• Check online job boards. The Agri Labour Australia job board includes industry-specific listings from a wide range of agriculture employers. Broader platforms like Seek and Gumtree can also be good starting points. 
• Check backpacker job boards. Similar to standard job boards, backpacker job boards feature opportunities which are well-suited to travellers seeking short-term opportunities. 

What qualifications do you need to work on a farm?

Many jobs in the Aussie agriculture industry are suitable for unskilled workers and require no qualification or experience. Even if you’re new to the industry, a willingness to learn and work hard may be enough to help you secure an entry-level position. However, some jobs can only be performed by semi-skilled workers – for example, those with a licence to operate forklifts or other heavy machinery. No matter which sector you want to work in, obtaining relevant licences is a great way to make yourself more attractive as a candidate. 

Ready for a working holiday in Australia? 

For international visitors chasing a new adventure, there are many reasons to travel and explore this great country. If you’re considering taking a working holiday in the land down under, it’s important to consider the type of work that will best suit your skills and availability. Choose carefully and you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills and make unforgettable memories with new friends from all over the world, like the many candidates who have become part of #myagrifamily. To find out more about what it’s like to work in the Aussie ag industry, check out candidate testimonials or read stories from our past candidates on our blog. 

Talk to the agricultural recruitment specialists  

If you’re looking for work in the Australian agriculture industry, Agri Labour Australia has a wide range of opportunities to suit your skills, availability and – for international visitors – travel plans. We have been recruiting workers in the agricultural industry since 2010, and our candidate care policy makes us an employer of choice for thousands of workers across our international networks. When you secure a position with Agri Labour Australia, you don’t just take a job – you become part of a family, and our thousands-strong #myagrifamily candidate network is always growing.

Want to join us on a job and gain experience in Australia’s agriculture industry? Click here to search available jobs.

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience and earn money that you can put towards a better financial future for your family – and now, there’s another great reason to join us in Australia.  

As part of our industry-leading wellness program, we are excited to announce that former rugby league and rugby union star Lote Tuqiri has joined us as a PALM Scheme Cultural Ambassador. 

Born in Korolevu, Fiji, Lote moved with his family to Brisbane when he was 15 years old. He later represented both Australia and Fiji in rugby league and also played rugby union for Australia.

Since retiring from professional football, Lote has remained a long-standing role model for many Pacific Islanders and an active member of local communities through his many sporting and business endeavours. 

As a Cultural Ambassador, Lote will be responsible for leading our community engagement program and ensuring that all workers have the support, connections and inspiration to do their best work. 

His role is part of our comprehensive engagement program for workers which includes a range of initiatives, from training and social events to quarterly awards. 

Whether you’re working towards building a family home, starting a business, sending your kids to school, or any other financial goal, the PALM Scheme can help you get ahead of the game. 

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the opportunities available through the PALM Scheme, get in touch with Agri Labour Australia today on 1300 247 823. 

 

As an approved employer of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Agri Labour Australia is committed to providing Pacific Islanders with opportunities to work in Australia and send money home to their families.

We always take great pride in the successes of the workers who make the most of these opportunities – workers like Israel “Issy” Kabsman from the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara.

A husband, father, leader and chef extraordinaire, Issy fulfils many roles in his community and has also become a valued member of the Agri Labour Australia poultry team.

While he loves joking around as much as the next crew member, Issy is serious about making the most of the time he spends away from his wife and kids.

Since arriving in Australia in August 2021, Issy has been working hard to build a home for himself and his family in Honiara.

Just ten months in, Issy is close to achieving his goal using the money he has earned through his agricultural work.

While he is missing his wife and kids and their weekly picnics at Kakabona Beach, Issy is looking forward to enjoying a financially stable future with his family when he returns home.

To find out more about PALM scheme opportunities and how you can join us in Australia, fill in the enquiry form on our website.

 

After a two-year interruption due to COVID-19, we’re looking forward to exhibiting at the 2022 Poultry Information Exchange (PIX) and Australasian Milling Conference (AMC). The event will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sunday 15 May until Tuesday 17 May.

“Beyond 2020 – Feeding the Future” is the theme of this year’s conference, which will feature the latest in innovation and information from industry experts around the world.

The comprehensive program will focus on chicken meat, egg production, free range and organic farming, flour milling and feed milling for all livestock species – including beef, dairy, pigs and others. Workshops on numerous special interest areas encompassing all aspects of the poultry industry will also be on offer.

Leaders from the Agri Labour Australia and Agri Talent team will be stationed at stand 240, and we hope you’ll come to see us should you also be attending.

ALA co-founder Luke Brown said he was looking forward to the return of the event: “We’re all excited to attend and present at the PIX conference again this year. The pandemic has brought about so many challenges for poultry farmers, particularly in terms of labour, and we’re looking forward to participating in the discussion of innovative solutions with industry stakeholders and exhibitors.”

Our borders are open and ALA is ready to go! This last week has seen not only the Queensland domestic border open but has also seen the ‘Sunshine State’ open to quarantine-free international travel for vaccinated people.

With Queensland about to enter its busiest time of the year for farm work, fruit picking and other major harvests, this is great news for the agriculture industry and the thousands of farmers who are eagerly awaiting more workers.

Even better, is the cash incentive being offered to students and backpackers who come to Australia over the next few months. This will see eligible working holiday-maker visa holders who arrive within the next 12 weeks receiving a $600 cash rebate!

Here’s what you need to know about coming to Queensland:

2. You must be fully vaccinated (double dosed) and have a negative Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours before entering the country to qualify for quarantine free entry
3. Unvaccinated people will be required to quarantine for two weeks (at their own expense) regardless of whether they return negative RAT and PCR Covid-19 tests

Right now, there is a huge amount of jobs in Queensland and all over Australia and our friendly team at Agri Labour Australia is ready to connect you with the best jobs while also doing our best to help you reach your travel goals #winnning!

From the rainforests and islands of the tropical north, down to the central and southern coasts where the beaches are plenty or out west where the sunsets are like no other, wherever you go in Queensland there’s rewarding farm work to be had in a location that’s sure to tick your dream destination.

There’s no time to waste! Get yourself vaccinated, grab your passport and your friends and jump on a plane to one of the world’s most sought after to work, travel and play!

It’s been a huge year on the safety front, with December being no exception. While many businesses are winding down for the Christmas and holiday period, many farms (and ALA) are getting ready for the biggest season of the year.

Statistically, December is the most dangerous month of the year for workplace deaths so it’s absolutely vital we remain even more vigilant than usual to make sure we keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.

Over the last few weeks, the safety team have been working closely with clients and their safety personnel to assess job sites and their safety processes. This critical part of our business has been developed and refined to ensure that we ONLY work with businesses that make staff safety of the highest priority. We simply will not compromise on this issue and there are times that we are unable to move forward with some clients due to their unacceptable safety standards. It might not always be the most popular decision, but we know it’s the right one.

The safety team has also been busy developing Safety Training for our Account Managers. This training is aimed at building on our staff’s existing safety knowledge and equipping them with better understanding across hazards and risks, injury response, inspections, compliance, onboarding and more. Our motto is ‘Nobody can ever know enough about safety!’

Over the last twelve months, the safety team undertook 78 site inspections, made a lot of process changes and introduced some great new resources to the safety space. We have developed and implemented our Injury Hotline Australia wide, which provides 24/7 access to ensure our workers will receive fast medical treatment no matter where they are.

We have also formed a partnership with ‘Recovre’ for occupational rehabilitation services. This service provides specialised support for injured workers to help people return to work at full capacity sooner by ensuring they receive the best treatment from specialists.

Finally, as we enter into the summer holiday and major harvest seasons, we want to highlight some of the key safety issues:

• La Nina weather event – increased rain fall – flooding, mosquitos and dangerous driving conditions. Remember – if it’s flooded forget it!
• Holiday drivers – increased drink drivers on the road. Please be aware!
• Temperature – heat exhaustion and dehydration especially for those working outside. Hydrate!
• Fauna and flora – Snakes, spiders, breeding season for some attacking birds and hay fever

It’s everyone’s job to keep strangers, those you know, work with and love safe. Please remain aware at all times and enjoy a wonderful and SAFE holiday season!

As 2021 draws to a close, it’s time to take a look at the year that has been!

Covid-19 has remained front and centre across the world and continues to challenge so many industries, including Australian agriculture. With thousands of fantastic jobs on offer all over the country, we hope to see many more of our wonderful Working Visa Holders and backpackers arriving in Australia in 2022 to support our farmers who are missing this amazing workforce of people!

As always in this big country of ours, weather has been a huge factor and yet again, we’ve seen drought affected areas becoming badly flooded by heavy rains at the end of the year. It has been extremely hard for many fruit and vegetable growers and in some places, the grain harvest was stopped due to this weather. However, with bumper grain crops still needing harvesting and the return of sunny skies, it’s back to business as usual for the many people we have working hard on our clients’ sites.

While it has been a tough year for ag, there has been plenty of positives along with more than a few changes to the ALA team. We have been embracing this change, with each one of our new staff members bringing their own set of great skills and a fresh perspective that will see the business continue to evolve and build on the great work we do.

Moving forward into 2022, we will be relocating our Brisbane head office from Kelvin Grove, down the road to Fortitude Valley, which will give our team some much needed extra office space!

Lastly, it should be said that Agri Labour Australia wouldn’t be here without all our fantastic clients and candidates. We work with some of the very best people in the industry and know that we have the best workers in the country! We appreciate each and every person and wish to pass on our sincere thanks for supporting our business and for your role in making a difference to Australian agriculture.

Stay safe friends and have a wonderful holiday season wherever you are and whatever you do.

See you in 2022!

The recent weather events across Queensland saw an unprecedented rainfall across the coast and rural areas of the state. Goondiwindi (our hometown and one of ALA’s office locations) experienced severe flooding, which has had a huge impact on the community and on the current harvests and agriculture industries located in the region.

Regional Manager Goondiwindi, Michelle Sleeth’s home and many other local properties were virtually turned into islands from the flood waters. Michelle said ‘Personally, we were so lucky but what is also great is that even though the town was completely cut off due to the floods, it was also pretty much saved from major damage by a 65 year old levy that has stood the test of time. Unfortunately for farmers, it’s been pretty tough with rain and flood waters affecting their crops.’

Reflecting on the last few years, Michelle added, ‘Many people are only just recovering from the drought so it’s vital that our famers get all the support they can.’

While extreme weather is constant for farmers and rural areas, it hasn’t put a dampener on people’s humour or creativity when it comes to getting work done.

One of ALA’s cotton growing clients had to re plant due to crop losses from the recent flooding. With most of Goondiwindi still cut off, a bit of country ingenuity that saw the seed transported via road, where it was then met by boat and jetski to help get it to its much anticipated destination!

We reckon that’s some great community spirit just in time for the festive season!